Kerry rips Bush in front of former Iranian president at Davos; Update: Video added  —  This isn't the first time a major Democratic politician, or even Waffles himself, has handed Islamic fundamentalists a propaganda freebie.  —  The unwritten rule about politics ending at the water's edge …

A Sorry State  —  Following his State of the Union address, President Bush's approval rating hits a new low in the NEWSWEEK poll, as Sen. Hillary Clinton enjoys an early lead among the field of likely candidates in the '08 race.  —  Only 42 percent think Bush's domestic-policy proposals will be seriously considered by the Congress

At Ease, Mr. President  —  WE hear constantly now about "our commander in chief."  The word has become a synonym for "president."  It is said that we "elect a commander in chief."  It is asked whether this or that candidate is "worthy to be our commander in chief."  —  But the president is not our commander in chief.

Tens of thousands in D.C. protest war  —  WASHINGTON - Protesters energized by fresh congressional skepticism about the Iraq war demanded a withdrawal of U.S. troops in a demonstration Saturday that drew tens of thousands and brought Jane Fonda back to the streets.

The Castration of Wayne DuMond  —  As Wayne DuMond listened last week to billionaire fugitive Marc Rich's explanation that Bill Clinton pardoned him for "humanitarian" reasons, he couldn't help but darkly snicker.  —  DuMond had been accused of raping a Clinton cousin in 1984 and was hog-tied …

Bush's father complains of news media "hostility"  —  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush's father accused the news media of "personal animosity" toward his son and said he found the criticism so unrelenting he sometimes talked back to his television set.

Grim Harvest  —  Organ transplants are at once the most amazing and frustrating of medical miracles.  A new kidney or heart can cure someone who would otherwise die or, even in less than ideal circumstances, extend life and improve well-being.  The surgical skill and pharmaceutical innovation required …

Liveblogging the 'Conservative Summit'  —  UPDATES below the fold.  —  I'm spending this weekend in D.C. at the National Review Institute's Conservative Summit.  They've managed to pull together a 'who's who' of the conservative political scene, and I'm looking forward to the show.

DNC: The Real Newt Gingrich: Special Interest Shill  —  Contact: Damien LaVera or Stacie Paxton, +1-202-863-8148, both of the Democratic National Committee  —  WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The following was released today by the Democratic National Committee on Newt Gingrich:

A Contrarian View: Save Less, Retire With Enough  —  Could it be possible that you are saving too much for your retirement?  —  Such an idea would fly in the face of almost every exhortation to a nation of spendthrifts that saving more is an imperative.  After all, even as people are living longer …

Dispatches From the Scooter Libby Trial  —  9:23 a.m.: Scooter Libby arrives, walks up the courtroom aisle, and, before taking his seat at the defense table, gives a quick smile and nod to his wife in the front row.  As we're waiting for the judge to arrive and call us to order, I glance around.